There have recently been misunderstandings arising from a draft student resolution and online petition calling for the University of Mississippi to become a sanctuary campus. To be clear, the university does not have the power or ability to create a ‘sanctuary’ that would be exempt from any federal or state laws. As I stated on Nov. 29, the University of Mississippi will continue to uphold all federal and state laws, as well as policies and procedures established by the Board of Trustees of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning. As a public institution of higher education, we will always focus upon education and the success of our students.

“I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to lead the University of Mississippi — an institution that is deeply respected and loved by so many. Over the past two decades, this great university has undergone tremendous growth in enrollment, academic stature, research, and patient care. I look forward to working with the entire Ole Miss community to lead our university to ever greater heights.”Chancellor Jeffrey S. Vitter